Why SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 Don’t Have to Be Security Theatre
You’ve just finished a SOC 2 or ISO/IEC 27001 audit. The report is in, the certificate is framed, but step back for a second, are you actually more secure today than you were six months ago? If you are not sure, you’re not alone. Many organizations come out of these audits wondering if the process really improved their security posture, or if it was more about a box-checking exercise.
This is where the phrase “security theatre” comes in. Security theatre is what happens when a company spends time and money on compliance activities that look like they’re making things safer but don’t meaningfully reduce risk.
The good news? SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 don’t have to be a security theatre. When approached the right way, they can drive real security improvements, protect your organization, and build trust with customers.
Where “Security Theatre” Comes From
The term “security theatre” was first popularized by security expert Bruce Schneier to describe security measures that look effective but don’t actually stop threats. Think of airport security asking you to remove your shoes, it creates the impression of control but doesn’t necessarily address the biggest risks.
In cybersecurity and compliance, security theatre happens when:
Evidence collection becomes a check-the-box exercise instead of focusing on whether controls are effective.
Controls are implemented just to pass an audit rather than to actually mitigate risk.
Policies are written just for the audit but never referenced again in day-to-day operations.
The organization treats certification as a one-and-done project instead of part of an ongoing security program.
This is why SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 sometimes leave organizations feeling drained, they’ve spent time and money, but the process didn’t improve their security posture or reduce real-world threats. In other words, it feels performative because the process wasn’t designed to be meaningful.
Security Theatre vs. Real Security
The difference between security theatre and real security often comes down to intent and execution. Security theatre focuses on appearances, while real security and compliance create lasting value. Here’s how they compare side by side:
| Aspect | Security Theatre | Real Security & Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To check boxes and “pass the audit.” | To meaningfully reduce risk and strengthen security posture. |
| Approach | Collect evidence to satisfy requirements without understanding the why. | Map controls to actual business risks and threats. |
| Policies & Procedures | Written for the audit, rarely updated or used in practice. | Living documents that guide day-to-day operations and decision-making. |
| Team Engagement | Teams see compliance as a burden or distraction. | Teams understand the value of controls and use them to improve processes. |
| Outcomes | A report or certificate that looks good but doesn’t improve security. | Actionable insights, better controls, and greater confidence for stakeholders. |
| Long-Term Impact | Compliance fatigue, repeated fire drills before each audit. | Sustainable programs that get easier and more valuable each year. |
Are You Really Improving Your Security Posture?
The question to ask is simple: Are we just doing the minimum to pass an audit or are we actually improving our security posture? Organizations that get the most value out of SOC 2 and ISO 27001 view them not as one-time events but as tools to measure and mature their security program year after year.
Don’t settle for a Checkbox Audit
Customers, partners and regulators are asking tougher questions, and they expect assurance, not just a piece of paper. A surface-level audit might produce a report but does it truly reflect your risk posture? Ask yourself:
Would your largest customer be satisfied with a superficial audit?
Would this report stand up to a regulator's scrutiny?
Does it give your leadership confidence that risks are under control?
A true, risk based audit does more than meet requirements, it validates that your security program works. The result is a report that carries real weight and builds trust.
Making Compliance Meaningful
At MHM, we believe SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 should work for you to improve your posture, not just your paperwork, the process has to be intentional. Here’s how we make the process meaningful:
Risk-Driven Audits: We assess your controls in the context of your business and industry risks so findings are meaningful, not just technical nitpicks.
Clarity and Transparency: From readiness through to the final report, we make sure you know what evidence is needed and why it matters. This helps your team prioritize preparation efforts efficiently.
Constructive Feedback: Our reports identify gaps and provide context, helping leadership make informed decisions about risk treatment and future investments.
Credibility That Counts: Our independence ensures our attestation carries weight with regulators, customers, and stakeholders. That credibility helps you use SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 as a business differentiator, not just an internal exercise.
Turning Compliance Into a Strategic Advantage
When compliance is approached this way, SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 stop feeling like security theatre and start delivering real benefits:
Improved risk visibility: You gain a clear view of your security posture and where to focus investments.
Actionable insight for improving governance and controls: Policies and processes become part of daily operations, not just audit artifacts.
Confidence when talking to customers and regulators: Customers and regulators gain confidence in your ability to protect their data.
Reduced audit fatigue year over year: Future audits are faster and less disruptive because controls are embedded into workflows.
A Better Way Forward
At MHM, we believe SOC 2 and ISO/IEC 27001 should be more than a compliance exercise. They should give you and your customers real confidence that your systems are secure and your risks are under control. Our job as independent auditors is not just to issue a report, it’s to provide credible assurance that helps you grow, innovate, and earn trust.
The result? Your certification isn’t just a framed certificate, it becomes a reflection of a security program that actually protects what matters most.
